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Chess is an exercise of infinite possibilities for the mind, one which develops mental abilities used throughout life: concentration, critical thinking, abstract reasoning, problem solving, pattern recognition, strategic planning, creativity, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, to name a few. Through chess, we learn how to analyze a situation by focusing on important factors and by eliminating distractions. We learn to devise creative solutions and put a plan into action. Chess works because it is self-motivating. The game has fascinated humans for almost 2000 years, and the goals of attack and defense, culminating in checkmate, inspire us to dig deep into our mental reserves.

c. Set up a chessboard with the white king on e1, the white rooks on a1 and h1, and the black king on e5. With White to move first, demonstrate how to force checkmate on the black king.

d. Set up and solve five direct-mate problems provided by your merit badge counselor.

Do ONE of the following:

a. Play at least three games of chess with other Scouts and/or your merit badge counselor. Replay the games from your score sheets and discuss with your counselor how you might have played each game differently.

b. Play in a scholastic (youth) chess tournament and use your score sheets from that tournament to replay your games with your merit badge counselor. Discuss with your counselor how you might have played each game differently.

c. Organize and run a chess tournament with at least four players, plus you. Have each competitor play at least two games.

* You may learn about Scouting's Teaching EDGE from your unit leader, another Scout, or by attending training.

3. Clarification of requirement #3, per BSA National: “Scout” refers to a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout only. "...does not know how to play..." means a Scout who is unfamiliar with the game. It does not mean teaching an existing player a new skill or strategy.

If you (the merit badge counselor) are likely to be beaten in Chess by 10 percent of the scouts (scholastic players), why not let a better player teach? (Review your rating vs. Cumulative Percentiles by USCF Chess Ratings, above.)

Districts should consider proven ability to play -and- teach Chess before approving counselors.